Lists of powers can improve governance

THE CENTRAL AUTHORITIES HAVE REQUIRED local governments to draw up lists of the areas in which they exercise power and to strictly abide by them. The provincial governments need to finish the task by the end of 2015 while the deadline for municipal governments is 2016. Comments:

New FTZs stress test for reform

THE PARTY LEADERSHIP officially approved a plan for pilot free trade zones in Guangdong and Fujian provinces and Tianjin municipality at a meeting on Tuesday. A plan to further reform and open up the China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone was also proposed during the meeting. Comments:

Hot words

Political activities outside the Party

Cartoon

Lee's legacy to find suitable model

Lee Kuan Yew, Singapore's founding father who died on March 23, has been widely praised for his governance and insightful comments on global situations. His persistent efforts for efficient governance have been lauded by leaders in Asia, although some Western observers have criticized him for being autocratic.

Global finance a game of the more the merrier

China's decision to establish Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank to provide financing for infrastructure projects in the region and beyond has created tension between the United States and some of it allies.

Preschool kids need new ideas, not old rules

Beijing education authorities launched inspection tours of kindergartens this week to ensure that children are not overburdened with schoolwork.

Make Netanyahu see need for peace with Palestinians

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu won a surprise victory in last week's parliamentary elections and will soon form a government for his fourth term. For many international observers, however, the election result does not bode well because it has further dimmed hopes for restoring peace in the Middle East.

Interest in AIIB shows China winning friends

That the planned Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank is winning wider support in the world arena underscores the international community's common desire for development and strong willingness to cooperate.

Japan must correct its views

Japan should adopt a correct perception of its history of aggression against Asian countries to avoid losing its conscience again.

Probe into former general shows need for rigor in supervision

GUO ZHENGGANG, A FORMER GENERAL of the People's Liberation Army, along with his wife, is being investigated for corruption. Reportedly, 7 million yuan ($1.12 million) in cash was found in one of their houses. Comments:

Officials' property ownership a public concern

A MONTH AFTER THE CENTRAL LEADERSHIP issued a notice requiring officials to report certain information about the property they and their families own and other relevant information, those above the vice-county level have already finished submitting them. A complete mechanism of submitting officials' information to higher authorities will be established and improved in the future. Comments: